Woodbury Orthodontics: Braces, Invisalign & Expert Care for All Ages

Woodbury orthodontics refers to specialized dental care that straightens teeth and corrects bite issues for children, teens, and adults living in Woodbury, MN and the surrounding east metro. At Henseler & Kocian Orthodontics, you'll find three American Board of Orthodontics-board certified orthodontists offering metal braces, clear braces, Invisalign® clear aligners, Six-Month Limited Treatment, and Dental Monitoring technology, all backed by a free consultation.

For 30 years, our office has served families across Woodbury and Stillwater. That local trust matters. It's part of why we're proud to be a Best of Woodbury 2026 winner and why MPLS/St. Paul Magazine has named our orthodontists Top Orthodontist for six consecutive years.

Here's what makes Henseler & Kocian Orthodontics different:

• Board-certified expertise. Dr. Steve Henseler, Dr. Paul Kocian, and Dr. Abby Syverson are all board certified, so every custom treatment plan benefits from experienced perspectives.
• Care for all ages. We treat children, teens, and adults, from first evaluations around age 7 through adult smile refinements.
• Full range of treatments. Choose from metal braces, clear braces, Invisalign, and shorter-term options like Six-Month Limited Treatment.
• Modern convenience. Dental Monitoring technology means fewer in-office visits without sacrificing quality of care.
• Free consultation. Your first visit includes an exam, digital x-rays, and a personalized recommendation, all at no cost.

Whether you're a parent scheduling your child's first evaluation or an adult finally ready to straighten your smile your way, this page walks you through every treatment option available at our Woodbury office, plus what to expect on cost, timing, and next steps.

Metal Braces in Woodbury

Today's metal braces don't look like the ones you might remember from years past. Modern brackets are smaller, sleeker, and more comfortable. The wires are more efficient too, meaning teeth can move steadily with less irritation along the way.

At Henseler & Kocian Orthodontics, metal braces remain one of the most effective and dependable ways to correct a wide range of orthodontic concerns, especially for families who want a proven treatment that fits a range of budgets.

Who Metal Braces Are Best For

Metal braces are often the right choice when:

• The bite or alignment issue is complex, involving significant crowding, spacing, rotations, or bite problems
• The patient is a growing child or teen whose jaw is still developing
• Compliance with removable aligners may be difficult (kids, active teens, busy adults)
• Families want a dependable option with a strong track record
• Budget is an important part of the decision

Because metal braces stay on your teeth 24/7, they keep working whether you remember them or not. That's a real advantage for younger patients.

Typical Treatment Length

Most metal braces cases at our Woodbury office take between 12 and 24 months, depending on how much correction is needed. Simpler cases wrap up faster. More involved corrections, like severe crowding or bite issues, may run longer. Dr. Henseler or Dr. Kocian will give you a realistic timeline at your free consult.

What to Expect at Adjustment Appointments

You'll typically visit our office every 4 to 8 weeks for a quick check-in. During these appointments, your orthodontist will:

1. Check how your teeth are moving
2. Change or tighten the archwire as needed
3. Replace colored elastics (a fun part for kids and teens who like to switch things up)
4. Answer questions and address any sore spots

Most adjustment visits take 20 to 30 minutes.

Caring for Metal Braces at Home

Good hygiene during treatment protects your enamel and keeps your beautiful, healthy smile on track. A few habits go a long way:

• Brush after every meal with a soft-bristle toothbrush
• Use floss threaders or a water flosser to clean between brackets
• Avoid sticky, hard, or chewy foods (caramel, popcorn kernels, ice)
• Wear a mouthguard for contact sports
• Keep every scheduled appointment

Invisalign & Clear Aligners in Woodbury

Invisalign clear aligners are a nearly invisible way to straighten your smile using a series of custom-made, removable trays. Instead of brackets and wires, you wear a set of smooth plastic aligners that gradually shift your teeth into place.

Henseler & Kocian Orthodontics is a certified Invisalign provider in Woodbury, and it's one of our most-requested treatments for teens and adults who want a discreet look throughout the process.

How Invisalign Works

The process is straightforward:

1. Digital impressions. We use a small handheld scanner to capture a precise 3D image of your teeth (no messy trays).
2. Custom treatment plan. Dr. Henseler or Dr. Kocian designs your entire tooth movement plan using specialized software.
3. Your aligners arrive. You receive a set of clear aligners, each slightly different from the last.
4. Change trays every 1 to 2 weeks. Each new tray moves your teeth a little closer to their final position.
5. Check-ins as needed. Depending on your case and whether we're using Dental Monitoring, you may only need occasional in-office visits.

Benefits of Invisalign

Patients love Invisalign for several reasons:

• Nearly invisible. Most people won't notice you're wearing them.
• Removable. Take them out to eat, drink, brush, and floss.
• Comfortable. Smooth plastic means no brackets rubbing your cheeks.
• Easier hygiene. Regular brushing and flossing without navigating around wires.
• Fewer food restrictions. Eat what you love; just pop the trays back in after.

Who's a Good Candidate?

Invisalign can treat a wide range of cases, including crowding, spacing, crossbite, overbite, and underbite. It works especially well for:

• Adults who want a professional-friendly option
• Teens who are responsible enough to wear the trays consistently
• Anyone who's had orthodontic treatment before and needs minor re-correction

The 22-Hour Rule

Here's the honest truth about Invisalign: it only works if you wear it. Aligners need to be in your mouth about 22 hours per day, coming out only for meals and brushing. Patients who commit to that consistency see excellent progress. Those who don't may add months to their treatment time.

Dental Monitoring for Fewer Visits

At Henseler & Kocian Orthodontics, we offer Dental Monitoring, a smartphone-based technology that lets your orthodontist track your progress remotely. You scan your teeth from home every couple of weeks, and our team reviews the images to make sure everything's on track. That often means fewer trips to Woodbury and a smoother experience overall.

Clear Braces (Ceramic) in Woodbury

Clear braces work exactly like metal braces, but the brackets are made from a tooth-colored ceramic material that blends in with your enamel. From more than a few feet away, they're barely noticeable.

For adults and image-conscious teens who need the strength of fixed braces without the metallic look, clear braces are a great middle ground between traditional metal and Invisalign.

Same Effectiveness, Different Look

Clear braces can handle the same complex cases metal braces can, including:

• Significant crowding
• Bite corrections (overbite, underbite, crossbite)
• Rotated or tilted teeth
• Gaps and spacing issues

The ceramic material is strong and durable, and treatment timelines are generally similar to metal braces.

Who Clear Braces Are Best For

Clear braces tend to be the right fit when:

• You want a fixed option (no need to remember to wear anything)
• Appearance during treatment matters to you
• You have a complex case that Invisalign may not fully address
• You're an adult in a professional setting
• You're a teen who prefers a more subtle look

Care Considerations

The ceramic brackets themselves don't stain, but the tiny elastic ties around them can pick up color from certain foods and drinks. A few simple habits keep everything looking clean:

• Limit coffee, red wine, tea, and dark sodas, or rinse with water after
• Avoid smoking (which stains everything)
• Brush thoroughly after meals
• Skip highly pigmented foods like curry or tomato sauce right before appointments
• Keep every check-in so we can replace elastic ties as needed

Orthodontics for All Ages: Kids, Teens & Adults

At Henseler & Kocian Orthodontics, we treat children, teens, and adults. Every age brings different needs, and our custom treatment plans reflect that. Dr. Henseler, Dr. Kocian, and Dr. Syverson, all American Board of Orthodontics-board certified, tailor every recommendation to where each patient is in their dental development.

Children: Early Evaluation and Phase 1 Treatment

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At that age, we can spot developing issues early, when small interventions can prevent bigger problems later.

Early treatment (sometimes called Phase 1) may involve:

• Palatal expanders to widen a narrow upper jaw and create room for adult teeth
• Space maintainers if a baby tooth is lost too early
• Partial braces to correct specific issues while other adult teeth come in
• Habit appliances to address thumb-sucking or tongue thrusting

Not every 7-year-old needs treatment right away. Many kids just get monitored every 6 to 12 months until they're ready for full braces or Invisalign in their tween or early teen years.

Teens: Braces, Invisalign Teen, and More

The teen years are the most common time for orthodontic treatment. Adult teeth are in, the jaw is still growing, and treatment tends to move efficiently. Popular teen options include:

• Metal braces with colored elastics (still a favorite for a reason)
• Clear braces for a subtler look
• Invisalign Teen with compliance indicators built in
• Sports mouthguards to protect braces during athletics

Teens at our Woodbury office also benefit from Dental Monitoring, which can mean fewer school pickups for appointments.

Adults: Discreet Options and Shorter Treatments

It's never too late to straighten your smile. Adult orthodontics has grown a lot in the last decade, and today more adults than ever are pursuing treatment. At Henseler & Kocian Orthodontics, adults often choose:

• Invisalign clear aligners for a nearly invisible experience
• Clear braces for a discreet fixed option
• Six-Month Limited Treatment for minor cosmetic corrections to front teeth

Six-Month Limited Treatment

Not every adult needs full comprehensive orthodontic treatment. If your bite is healthy but your front teeth need cosmetic improvement, Six-Month Limited Treatment may be a great fit. This approach focuses on the teeth that show when you smile, delivering visible results in a shorter timeframe.

Dr. Henseler or Dr. Kocian will let you know at your free consult whether Six-Month Limited Treatment is right for your situation.

Getting Started: Your Free Consultation

Every smile is different, and the right treatment for you depends on the type of treatment, the complexity of your case, and how long treatment takes. At Henseler & Kocian Orthodontics, your free consultation walks you through all of it so there are no surprises.

Your first visit is completely free and includes an exam, digital x-rays, and a discussion of your goals. You'll leave knowing exactly what treatment would look like and how long it would take, with zero pressure to commit. Our team is also happy to help you understand your dental insurance plan and file claims on your behalf.

Braces vs. Invisalign vs. Clear Braces: Comparison

Choosing between metal braces, Invisalign, and clear braces comes down to your priorities: appearance, lifestyle, and case complexity. Here's how they stack up.

How We Help You Choose

At your free consult, Dr. Henseler or Dr. Kocian will thoroughly examine your teeth, review digital x-rays, and talk through your goals and lifestyle. Some patients come in sure they want Invisalign and leave choosing clear braces. Others assume they need metal and find out Invisalign is a great fit. There's no wrong choice, only the right one for you, and that's exactly what your custom treatment plan is designed to identify.

Frequently Asked Questions About Woodbury Orthodontics

How long does orthodontic treatment take?

Most orthodontic treatment takes between 12 and 24 months, though it can be shorter or longer depending on your case. Simple corrections (like Six-Month Limited Treatment) can wrap up in about half a year, while complex bite corrections may take two years or more. Dr. Henseler or Dr. Kocian will give you a specific timeline at your first visit.

When should my child first see an orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At this age, we can identify developing issues early and decide whether treatment is needed now, later, or just monitoring for a while. Many kids simply come in for periodic check-ins until they're ready for full treatment.

Does insurance cover braces or Invisalign?

Many dental insurance plans include orthodontic coverage, applying to both braces and Invisalign. Our team will review your specific plan, verify benefits, and file claims for you so you know exactly what's covered before treatment begins.

Is Invisalign or braces better for adults?

Both work well for adults, and the right choice depends on your case and lifestyle. Invisalign is popular for its nearly invisible appearance and removability, making it a great fit for professionals. Braces (especially clear braces) may be better for complex cases or for adults who prefer not to worry about wearing aligners consistently.

Resources & Related Reading

Want to learn more? Here are helpful next steps and trusted resources:

• Invisalign at Henseler & Kocian Orthodontics — Learn more about clear aligner treatment at our Woodbury office
• Metal and Clear Braces — Explore both fixed treatment options in detail
• Free Consultation — Book your no-cost first visit online anytime
• Patient Virtual Visit — See how remote evaluations and Dental Monitoring work
• Stillwater Office — Prefer our Stillwater location? Learn more about services there
• American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) — Trusted patient resources and general orthodontic education at aaoinfo.org

Dr. Steve Henseler, Dr. Paul Kocian, and Dr. Abby Syverson are all American Board of Orthodontics-board certified, and Dr. Henseler is a former President of the Minnesota Association of Orthodontists. That depth of experience means every resource and recommendation you receive at Henseler & Kocian Orthodontics is grounded in real expertise.

Schedule Your Free Woodbury Orthodontic Consultation

Ready to take the first step toward creating beautiful, forever smiles? Your free consultation at Henseler & Kocian Orthodontics includes an exam, digital x-rays, and a personalized treatment plan, all at no cost and with no obligation.

• Woodbury Office: 1000 Radio Dr., Ste. 220, Woodbury, MN 55125
• Call: (651) 359-9522
• Book online: hkortho.com/free-consult
• Prefer virtual? Ask about our Patient Virtual Visit option

Your healthy, confident smile starts here. We can't wait to meet you.